Step into the captivating world of opera with Ljuba Welitsch's "Ljuba Welitsch Recital," a timeless collection of iconic arias that showcases the extraordinary vocal prowess of one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century. Released on February 1, 2015, by MYTO Historical, this album is a testament to Welitsch's unparalleled artistry and her ability to breathe life into some of the most beloved roles in opera history.
Spanning a diverse repertoire from Mozart's "Don Giovanni" to Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera," and from Puccini's "Tosca" to Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades," this album offers a rich tapestry of musical styles and dramatic intensity. Each track is a masterclass in vocal technique and emotional depth, highlighting Welitsch's remarkable range and expressive power.
The album opens with the dramatic final scene from Strauss's "Salome," followed by a selection of arias from "Don Giovanni," where Welitsch's crystalline tone and nuanced phrasing bring Mozart's characters to vivid life. Her rendition of "Vissi d'arte" from "Tosca" is a standout, capturing the essence of Puccini's heart-wrenching melody with profound sensitivity.
Welitsch's interpretation of Russian opera is equally compelling, with her performances of arias from "The Queen of Spades" showcasing her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. The album also includes lesser-known gems from operettas such as "Die lustige Witwe" and "Der Zigeunerbaron," demonstrating Welitsch's versatility and charm.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, "Ljuba Welitsch Recital" is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The album's historical significance, combined with Welitsch's timeless performances, makes it a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the golden age of opera.
2015 MYTO Historical2015 MYTO Historical
Tracks
Salome, Op. 54, TrV 215: Final Scene: Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht deinen Mund kussen lassen, Jochanaan!Richard Strauss, Ljuba Welitsch, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Don Giovanni, K. 527: Act I: Recitative: Don Ottavio, son morta!Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ljuba Welitsch, Alessio De Paolis, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Don Giovanni, K. 527: Act I: Aria: Or sai chi l'onoreWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ljuba Welitsch, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Don Giovanni, K. 527: Act II: Crudele! Ah no, mio beneWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ljuba Welitsch, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Don Giovanni, K. 527: Act II: Non mi dir bell' idol mioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ljuba Welitsch, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Un ballo in maschera: Act II: Ma dall'arido steloGiuseppe Verdi, Ljuba Welitsch, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Rudolf Moralt
Un ballo in maschera: Act III: Morro, ma prima in graziaGiuseppe Verdi, Ljuba Welitsch, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Rudolf Moralt
Tosca: Tosca, Act II: Vissi d'arteGiacomo Puccini, Ljuba Welitsch, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Max Rudolf
The Queen of Spades (Pique Dame), Op. 68: Act III: Ich muss am Fenster lehnen (I must lean in the window)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ljuba Welitsch, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Rudolf Moralt
The Queen of Spades (Pique Dame), Op. 68: Act III: Es geht auf Mitternacht (Midnight draws near)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ljuba Welitsch, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Rudolf Moralt
Zigeunerliebe, Act III: Song and Csardas: Hor' ich ZymbalklangeFranz Lehár, Ljuba Welitsch, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Rudolf Moralt
Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow), Act II: Es lebt eine ViljaFranz Lehár, Ljuba Welitsch, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Rudolf Moralt
Die Dubarry: Ich schenk' mein HerzCarl Millöcker, Theo Mackeben, Ljuba Welitsch, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Rudolf Moralt
Der Zarewitsch, Act I: Lied: einer wird kommen, der wird mich begehrenFranz Lehár, Ljuba Welitsch, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Rudolf Moralt
Die Fledermaus, Act II: Czardas: Klange der HeimatJohann Strauss II, Ljuba Welitsch, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Max Rudolf
Der Zigeunerbaron, Act I: O habet acht!Johann Strauss II, Ljuba Welitsch, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Max Rudolf
Mne grustno (I am Sad)Alexander Dargomyzhsky, Ljuba Welitsch, Paul Ulanowsky
Gde ti, zvezdochka? (Where art thou, little star?)Modest Mussorgsky, Ljuba Welitsch, Paul Ulanowsky